Topic Reviews

Treat Dry Skin With Alpha Hydroxy Acid

Posted July 9th, 2009 by admin

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), are a class of chemical compounds that consist of a carboxylic acid substituted with a hydroxy group on the adjacent carbon. They may be either naturally occurring or synthetic. AHAs are well known for their use in the cosmetics industry. They are often found in products claiming to reduce wrinkles or the signs of aging, and improve the overall look and feel of the skin. They are also used as chemical peels available in a dermatologist’s office, beauty and health spas and home kits, which usually contain a lower concentration. Many well-known a-hydroxy acids are useful building blocks in organic synthesis: the most common and simple are glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, mandelic acid.

Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) is a group of compounds derived from food products including glycolic acid (from sugar cane), lactic acid (from sour milk), malic acid(from apples), citric acid(from fruits) and tartaric acid (from grape wine). For any topical compound, including AHA, it must penetrate into the skin where it can act on living cells. Small molecular size is one characteristic that is important in determining compound’s ability to penetrate the top layer of the skin. In that respect, glycolic acid (the smallest AHA) is a clear winner and accounts for the popularity of this product in both cosmetic as well as medical preparations.

With increasing research into what causes wrinkles and the effects of photo-aging, the use of hydroxy acids has increased greatly in popularity. There are two types of hydroxy acids - alpha and beta. Alpha hydroxy acids are exfoliants derived from fruit and milk sugars such as glycolic acid produced from sugar cane and lactic acid produced from milk. There is only one beta hydroxy acid or salicylic acid.

Beta hydroxy acid works mainly as an exfoliant. It causes the cells of the epidermis to become “unglued” allowing the dead skin cells to slough off, making room for re-growth of new skin. Beta hydroxy acid is reported to improve wrinkling, roughness, and mottled pigmentation of photo-damaged skin after at least 6 months of daily application. Beta hydroxy acid found in skin care products works best in a concentration of 1% to 2% and at a pH of 3 to 4.

AHAs are helpful in treating a variety of skin ailments. They have proven to be effective in treating dry skin, acne, liver or sun spots, lessening fine facial wrinkles, and improving skin texture. Recent studies have also shown that alpha hydroxy acids can reverse precancerous skin lesions, which are due to long term sun exposure. These acids have been shown to increase skin thickness up to 15% in patients with sun damaged thin skin. This occurs through the stimulation of collagen production, the skins natural support protein. Alpha hydroxy acids also work by loosening and removing dead skin cells.

Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) is available in cream forms for easy application to the skin. Look for name brands to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase. Quality name brands can be found at your local or internet health food store.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Alpha hydroxy acid is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.